Billy Crystal and Bette Midler want comedic Oscars category

In the early years, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences chiefs split nominations for Best Director and Best Original Score into separate groups for either drama or comedy, but the latter category was eventually dropped.

Almost all actors receiving a nod in a supporting or leading role are mentioned for their contributions to serious works, and Crystal is now calling on organisers to designate a division just for the industry’s funny men and women, who hardly ever get noticed during awards season.

He tells CNN.com, “I mean, the Golden Globes has it (a comedy category). I just think it should be recognised more. There have been some amazing comedic performances that just don’t (get) considered. I mean… (look at) Steve Martin in All of Me.”

And his Parental Guidance co-star Midler agrees, adding, “What about Eddie Murphy in Nutty Professor? I mean, my God! Who has ever done that? That was amazing!”